Lend with Care is an enterprising charity that has been running a loan scheme for eligible individuals or suitable groups in support of individuals aiming to be entrepreneurial in their own countries where there is no obvious support for them locally but where there is at least a framework of those who can administer such scheme safely to those providing the capital. There are many countries who cannot organise safe and proper organisation by reliable local agents, so the list may well be shorter than the real need of where help could be provided.
In 2019 Rotary Club of Banbury started out with a few hundred pounds and made loans of some £150 for two or three applicants. It was in some ways an extension and improvement of charities such as “send a cow” where a milking cow was provided to an applicant who would then care for the cow and consume the milk available but sell any excess locally. It ensured they stayed in the locality they were used to and could provide for their family without moving away or migrating.
Covid had a big impact and generally meant that repayments were delayed with everybody’s agreement and without any penalty but despite this the process has been successful and to date there have been some 20+ loans made, all of which have been repaid. The loans are administered by Care International, and they keep comprehensive records. Care International is a large organisation involved with several regular charitable arrangements.
The current position at the Rotary Club of Banbury is about to change, and the amount made available will rise to £1000 and regular bulletins will appear in CR. It is proposed to circulate this as the first such CR bulletin and then keep club members up to date regularly thereafter. Timing will depend on activity and relevance, and that is expected to be every three months or so.